Southern Wisconsin’s drought upgraded to ‘extreme’

Since Gov. Walker’s drought emergency declaration for the entire state Wednesday, the U.S. Drought Monitor upgraded the southern part of the state’s status to “extreme.” Walker says his administration is communicating about the evolving situation, while state agencies update lawmakers.

While speaking to reporters by phone Thursday morning, Walker says his declaration for all 72 counties will allow farmers to access water sources. Additionally, he’s pushing for federal assistance for producers.

Also on Thursday, Walker requested federal disaster aid for 23 Southern Wisconsin counties. Today, he will be traveling to farms heavily affected by the drought, then meeting with his cabinet and emergency management officials .